Saints take no action over 'fracas'

Northampton Saints have decided not to mete out punishment in the wake of the internal 'fracas' that broke out in a pub followed last weekend's Heineken Cup tie in Toulouse.

The struggling Zurich Premiership side admitted an incident took place in the early hours of last Sunday morning following their 25-12 defeat and resolved to deal with the matter internally.

The fight broke out in the Frog and Rosbif - a Toulouse city-centre bar - and allegedly involved around a dozen Saints squad members.

But chairman Keith Barwell has insisted no disciplinary action would be taken.

In his programme notes for the Northampton versus Bedford Powergen Cup tie, Barwell confirmed a fight between Northampton players took place.

Barwell wrote: "Did a few players have a few beers? Yes. Was there a bit of fisticuffs between our players? Yes. Was anyone else involved? No. Am I going to take any further action? No.

"During the last few weeks I have asked the players to give blood for the club and put some passion back. This they have done.

"Against Toulouse last week they performed magnificently and I was proud of every one of them. I did not receive one single complaint from any of our travelling fans about the incident.

"We have to stay loyal to each other and be honest and positive."